The ENDR is a network of regional authorities and clusters coming together to share experiences and best practices. It focuses on integrating defence into smart specialisation strategies (RIS3) and in accessing EU funding, so that defence-related SMEs can benefit fully from the funding tools and programmes that are offered at regional and European level.

The ENDR website is the main platform for all interested defence-related regions to increase their visibility, share their best practices, exchange information and promote their events. It is funded under the COSME programme and its introduction phase is expected to run until December 2017.

Following a selection process in early 2016, the Commission selected three model regions to co-organise three events to share best practices with other European regions.

The first of these events, which took place in Rennes on 23-24 November 2016, was organised by Brittany’s Regional Development and Innovation Agency (BDI) in coordination with the Regional Council of Brittany. The Symposium on ‘European regional approaches for dual use cybersecurity strategies’ was held in Rennes as part of the European Cyber Week.

This symposium enabled a fruitful exchange of views on the dual use approach taken by Brittany in the area of cybersecurity between regional stakeholders and businesses from the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the UK.

The next event, taking place in Southampton on 4-5 April 2017, will be organised by Marine South East, UK and the European Commission. This workshop will promote SME engagement in the Solent region’s dual use strategy, while stimulating consortium-building and investment in dual-use innovation.

And the third event, taking place in Aarhus, Denmark on 4-5 May 2017, will be organised by CenSec (Center for Defence, Space & Security) in DK and the European Commission. It will focus on business perspectives in the dual use areas of drones and space, as well stimulating the development of a regional dual use strategy in Denmark.